Chinese shrine off limits to pilgrims

Published: 12 November 2007

A Catholic shrine in China has been saved from destruction, however
police continue to refuse entry to pilgrims other than locals.

The
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Carmel in Tianjiajing was built a century ago.
It was badly damaged during World War II and the Cultural Revolution.
More recently, it has been a popular pilgrim site, with 40,000 to
50,000 visitors each year.

AsiaNews reported in May that local
authorities banned the annual pilgrimage, which had become a national
tradition. They also revoked permits organisers were required to hold,
calling the pilgrimages “illegal religious activities.”

In
addition, a ban was issued denying the Church the right to use public
areas, requisitioning the shrine’s own compound and threatening to
destroy it.

Although pressures from local Catholics have stopped the demolition plan, the ban on pilgrimages remains.

China says Bible ban “rumour”

Chinese officials have rejected media reports which have said that Bibles would be banned form the Olympic games.

Catholic News Agency published an article sourced from an Italian newspaper.

The China Daily
reported that Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said the Beijing
Olympic organisers “did not and would not issue such a rule and this is
a total rumor.”

"According to the Chinese laws, foreigners are
allowed to bring in religious objects or materials, be it print or
audio or video, for personal use."

Beijing Olympics Media
Centre director Li Zhanjun said a religious service centre will be set
up in the Olympic Village and religious services, from Christian,
Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu to Buddhist, will be available to
athletes next year.